Ruto Launches Mombasa Commuter Rail Service to Boost Urban Connectivity
Commuter meter gauge at Mombasa Railway station (Photo/ Courtesy)
By Mbungu Harrison
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
President William Ruto on Wednesday officially commissioned the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service, a major infrastructure project aimed at transforming urban transport in the coastal city.
The revamped rail line connects Mombasa’s Central Business District (CBD) to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus in Miritini.
The project includes the rehabilitation of a 13.8-kilometre stretch of the old meter-gauge railway and the construction of a new 2.8-kilometre link to the SGR line.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Ruto described the rail service as a critical component of the government’s strategy to enhance urban mobility and reduce congestion in Mombasa.
“Efficient transport systems are central to our economic revival agenda. This rail service will reduce travel time, lower the cost of doing business, and improve quality of life for thousands of Mombasa residents,” said President Ruto.
The Mombasa Commuter Rail Service features strategic stops at Miritini, Changamwe West, Changamwe East, Shimanzi, Mazeras, and Mombasa CBD. It is expected to serve up to 4,000 passengers daily, offering a safer, more affordable, and time-saving alternative to road travel.
Developed by Kenya Railways in collaboration with the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the project includes a 2.3-kilometre rail bridge across the Makupa Causeway and modern commuter stations in Mombasa town and Miritini.
With over 2.6 million passengers already using the Madaraka Express annually, this new commuter link is expected to further boost passenger numbers and promote rail transport as a viable urban mobility solution.
Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir said the project is a strategic move to ease pressure on Mombasa’s road network while enhancing last-mile connectivity for commuters.
“This project enhances last-mile connectivity and links directly with the Nairobi-Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway. It will facilitate economic inclusion by connecting underserved communities to the city’s commercial hubs,” Chirchir said.
He added that the service will generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in operations, maintenance, and support services.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir welcomed the project, calling it a “strategic economic intervention” that aligns with the county’s urban development and decongestion plan.
“This isn’t just a transport milestone. It opens up suburban areas, boosts productivity, and supports our vision of a connected and inclusive city,” said Governor Nassir.
He emphasized that small businesses, students, and market traders will be among the biggest beneficiaries of the improved, affordable transport system.
Analysts say the new rail service will ease vehicular congestion on key roads around the Port of Mombasa, East Africa’s busiest seaport, thereby improving cargo movement and overall urban efficiency.
Tourism stakeholders have also praised the initiative, noting that better transport infrastructure enhances the visitor experience, encouraging longer stays and higher spending in the region.
The Mombasa Commuter Rail is part of a broader national initiative to modernize urban rail systems, following similar efforts in Nairobi.
The government has also signaled plans to pursue public-private partnerships (PPPs) for commercial and retail developments along the rail corridor, further anchoring local economic growth.
“We’re building transport systems that drive enterprise, unlock productivity, and deliver shared prosperity,” said CS Chirchir.
